Description: The Beech to Beach walk is a two day 30km guided walk through protected beech forest and over private land which provides a variety of great views, historic features and rare wildlife. After a briefing at Papatowai you are transported through the scenic Owaka Valley to the inland beech forest where the walk begins. While walking down the Catlins River Valley through native beech forest, you have opportunities to see rare native birds such as yellowhead (mohua) and parakeet (kakariki).The overnight accommodation is the wonderful old Mohua Lodge. Tranquil in its forest setting, Mohua Lodge provides comfortable accommodation and great food.

The second days walk follows the spectacular old rail route over a saddle and down the Maclennan Valley past picturesque wateralls, forest and farmland.The end of the walk is reached at Papatowai where your accommodation is with us in our house overlooking Tahakopa Bay.

This walk is for those of moderate fitness - light packs only are needed as overnight requirements will be carried to Mohua Lodge. Vehicles may be left at Papatowai, contact us for other transport information.

The time for the walk is from 9 am Thursday to 9 am Saturday, every week from November to March.

Location: Papatowai, one hour south of Balclutha on the Southern Scenic Route.
Prices: A maximum of eight walkers are accompanied by a guide and are supplied with all food requirements. The cost of the fully catered two day walk is $355 per person.
Season: November to May

Contact person(s): Catlins Wildlife Trackers (Fergus or Mary Sutherland)
Address: 5 Mirren St, Papatowai, South Otago
Postal Address: Papatowai, RD 2, Owaka, South Otago
Phone: +64 3 415 8613
Freephone: 0800 CATLINS
Fax: +64 3 415 8613
Email: info@catlins-ecotours.co.nz
Website: www.catlins-ecotours.co.nz

Comments: Other offerings also featured on website

Description: Enjoy a day walk on Glenmac. Defined tracks to follow. Walk beside a river, climb up and enjoy the view which ranges from the mountains to the sea and finish with a down hill walk home.

Walking time would be approximately 5 hours. There are shorter options available also.

Walkers are given a map, directions etc and can enjoy the day at their leisure.

Location: 15kms from Kurow or 60kms from Oamaru

Contact person(s): Kaye Dennison
Address: 477 Gards Road
Postal Address: Glenmac, 7K R.D. Oamaru
Phone: 03 436 0200
Mobile Phone: 027 222 1119
Fax: 03 436 0202
Email: glenmac@farmstaynewzealand.co.nz
Website: www.farmstaynewzealand.co.nz

Comments: Mastercard and Visa accepted. Shuttle bus Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from Mt Cook/Lake Tekapo area and Oamaru.

Description: Hiking New Zealand has been specialising in providing small groups, maximum 11 people, with comprehensive 10-day or 5.5 day safaris which incorporate, sight seeing, wildlife viewing, overnight hiking and adventure activities for over 12 years. We guarantee to get hikers “off the beaten track”, you get to go to places that you couldn’t go as independent travellers.

We have five safaris covering both the North and South Islands:

• West Coast Wilderness – Hiking in lush rain forests, learning how to cross rivers and sleeping under giant rock overhangs. Glacier hiking on Franz Josef Glacier and kayaking on New Zealand’s largest wetland.
• Secret South – Hiking in stunning alpine areas such as Mt Cook National Park. Kayaking on Milford Sound and staying in the Catlins, home to the Yellow-eyed Penguin, Hector’s Dolphins and Sea Lions.
• Eastern Epic – Alpine hiking in Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Parks combined with whale watching in Kaikoura and sea kayaking in Abel Tasman.
• Volcanoes and Rainforests – Hiking in Tongariro National Park, soaking in geothermal hotpools and river caving with the glow worms in Waitomo.
• Far North – Easy coastal walks, no overnight hiking but lots of fun activities such as sandboarding, snorkelling and 4x4 driving along 90-mile beach.

Summer 2005 is seeing the launch of a fantastic new 8-day tour. This tour caters for active people who want to experience the stunning wilderness the South Island has to offer and still have the comforts of a hot shower and quality boutique accommodation in picturesque locations.

Location: Nationwide. Tours depart from Auckland, Nelson, Christchurch and Queenstown
Prices: $595 - $2750.

Contact person(s): Leah and Anne
Address: 27A Horotane Valley Road
Postal Address: PO Box 93, Lyttelton, Christchurch
Phone: + 64 3 376 6482
Mobile Phone: +64 274 360 268
Freephone: 0800 697 232
Fax: + 64 3 376 6483
Email: info@hikingnewzealand.com
Website: www.hikingnewzealand.com

Comments: Three times New Zealand Tourism Award Winners. Qualmark endorsed visitor activity.

Description: The Top Track is a two day 26km walk over private land which provides a variety of stunning vistas. It begins at Papatowai with remote beach walking, continues along the cliff-tops and through farmland to the overnight accommodation - Top Bus!

Top Bus is a restored trolly bus and is supplied with facilities such as mattresses and pillows, pots, cutlery and dishes. There is a water supply, gas cooker and a "loo with a view". There is accommodation for six people in two double bunks and one double bed.

The second day leads walkers through forest and some of the highest farmland in the area which offers views into the central core of the Catlins. The route then follows the route of the historic Catlins railway down to the lovely bush-lined Maclennan River. The walkers then return to the starting point, Papatowai.

Walkers are given a detailed booklet describing the route and interesting features along the way. The cost of the two day walk is $35 per person and walkers take their own food and sleeping bag. It is possible to do the walk in one day of about 10 hours.

Location: [map here] Papatowai, one hour south of Balclutha on the Southern Scenic Route.
Prices: Two day walk (accommodation in "Top Bus") is $35 per person. One day walk (no accommodation) is $15 per person. Packs will be carried to and from the accommodation for an extra $5 per person, minimum price: $30.
Season: November to May

Contact person(s): Catlins Wildlife Trackers: Fergus or Mary Sutherland
Address: 5 Mirren St, Papatowai, South Otago
Postal Address: Papatowai, RD 2, Owaka, South Otago
Phone: +64 3 415 8613
Freephone: 0800 CATLINS
Fax: +64 3 415 8613
Email: info@catlins-ecotours.co.nz
Website: www.catlins-ecotours.co.nz

Comments: Website includes other offerings.